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The Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Number Sixteen, London hotel review
Location With its discreet, column-framed entrance squeezed between private residences on Sumner Place, Number Sixteen enjoys the serenity of SW7, while being just steps from some of London 's most celebrated museums. From this terrace of white mid-Victorian stucco in South Kensington, it's a short stroll to the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and the V&A, as well as high-end shopping in Harrods and the big brands of Brompton Road. South Kensington Underground Station is just a three-minute walk away for the Piccadilly, Circle and District lines linking into the city. After check-out, it's less than a 20-minute taxi to Victoria and Paddington stations for connections further afield. The vibe It can be hard to find unpretentious class in the capital, but this flamboyantly feminine hotel does well to bring the grandeur and warmth of a country estate to west London. The boutique bolthole is part of Firmdale Hotels' townhouse collection and is emblazoned with signature interiors by co-founder Kit Kemp. Décor is a war of textures, styles and colours with cosy corners in clashing prints and random animal motifs; an eclectic masterclass in all things mismatched. Still, a sense of homely tranquillity prevails. Naturally lit, characterful and intimate, this is the sort of stay that would make travellers want to move to London. The service You can expect a warm welcome once you've found this hotel's subtle front door. Staff are on hand around the clock, attentive, armed with recommendations and willing to show guests the ropes of the honesty bar. Service at dinner was personable and prompt, with honest à la carte suggestions, and the coffees kept coming while I worked from the garden before check-out. Bed and bath All 41 rooms at Number Sixteen are individually dressed and feature washed linens, vintage fabrics and flirty florals. Room categories range from single to superior, some summer or winter themed, others with a small balcony. Wallpaper is more modern English than garish, but it's the bespoke headboards that take centre stage beneath the high ceilings with dressmakers' mannequins to match. King-sized beds are unfathomably comfortable beside antique wooden wardrobes, whilst upholstery in shades of pistachio, hot pink and periwinkle feels calming rather than chaotic. Some rooms are without terrace or courtyard views, but all have an in-room mini bar, televisions, radios, best-in-class robes and a pillow mist to aid shut-eye. Bathrooms – a mix of walk-in showers or tubs – are done out in grey granite and oak and come with RikRak products. Food and drink An airy conservatory with vases of flowers and French doors out to a small garden – a meal at the Orangery feels more like a homemade dinner at a friend's than an SW7 restaurant. Prosciutto-wrapped melon, decadent cheddar croquettes and fish and chips are served on forest-themed fine china. If you've room for pudding, order a classic Eton mess or the cheeseboard featuring British styles. Breakfast showcases the best of British fare, with Old English sausages and Stornoway black pudding. A table of toast and preserves, fresh fruit and pastries accompanies every 'egg on English muffin' combination, best taken outside to enjoy under a mulberry tree. For leisurely lunches, afternoon tea is served daily with tried-and-tested finger sandwich combinations and a selection of tea infusions. As for tipples in the small hours, there's a stocked honesty bar of beers, wine and spirits in the library alongside a 24-hour room service menu. Facilities The ground floor is home to a string of stylish public spaces – the Drawing Room, Library and Orangery – each with playful art installations, along with the hotel's whimsical private garden. In the garden, there is a water lily-planted Koi carp pond, a pagoda and a collection of sage green tables for dining outdoors. You won't find a gym or spa at the hotel, but there is a menu of in-room massage treatments to lean into from Soholistic. Some rooms in this listed townhouse are wheelchair accessible. Although there is a small lift, many rooms are only accessible via the stairs. Pet policy Dogs and other furry friends are not permitted at Number Sixteen. Check in/check out Check in from 3pm; check out by 12pm. Family-friendly? Yes. Room categories can accommodate a cot or extra bed, with interconnecting options and children's amenities including mini bathrobes, kids' menus and milk and cookies served at bedtime. At a glance Best thing: The lofty, Princess and the Pea-style beds. Perfect for: Couples after a colourful home from home. Instagram from: The pretty courtyard garden.
Times
19-05-2025
- Times
Crosby Street Hotel review: a chic urban bolt hole in downtown Manhattan
This stylish, art-filled hotel — part of design guru Kit Kemp's Firmdale stable — sits on a cobbled side street in SoHo ('South of Houston'). It's towards the lower end of Manhattan, but turn the corner and all the scintillating, horn-honking, whaddayatalkinabout madness, joy and chutzpah of this part of New York is there to envelop you. You've got numerous stores, cafés, restaurants, food trucks and coffee shops right on your doorstep, and a subway station just around the block on Spring Street. The cool neighbourhood vibe carries on inside the property, where local residents and workers might be seated for a drink or a bite to eat as readily as one of the hotel's guests. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Score 9/10Firmdale properties come with Kit Kemp's signature style — bold colours and patterns bathed in light and mixed with contemporary artwork — and that's very much in evidence in the 86 spacious rooms and suites here. They're spaces you'd be very happy to hang out in (if ever you make it out of the dreamy, king-size beds), full of 'I wonder if that would work at home?' touches. (A brochure of Kemp-designed products lies on the table should your answer be 'yes'.) All rooms have well-soundproofed, floor-to-ceiling windows — the higher up you go, the more sweeping the views over Manhattan — and a fabric-covered dressmaker's mannequin that works well as both art and coat rack. Bathrooms are expansive with a tub, separate shower and twin sinks, stocked with RikRak smellies. Score 8/10The Crosby Bar & Terrace is open every day from 7am until midnight and is available both to hotel guests and locals. You'll find everyone from advertising execs to Real Housewives popping in for breakfast meetings over cinnamon and raisin challah French toast with peach compote, post-spin class cold-pressed juice-and-gossip sessions, power-lunch lobster club sandwiches, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. For warm summer days there are two outside patio areas and a new orangery that can be booked for a private group meal. Overall, there's a buzzy atmosphere to it all. There's a separate drawing room for hotel guests with a gentleman's club feel and an honesty bar where you can sink into one of the deep sofas after pouring yourself a Brooklyn Lager or a glass of Pol Roger. • Read our full guide to New York• Best hotels in New York Score 8/10The onsite gym has Technogym equipment including treadmills, bikes and steppers and is open 24/7. There's no spa, but in-room massages can be arranged. In the basement you'll find a 107-seat cinema which hosts irregular screenings for guests, but is often rented out in its entirety for events or those celebrating special occasions. Score 9/10SoHo's buzz draws in workers and party animals from the rest of the city. You've got a plethora of restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, and boutiques (both one-offs and well-known brands) in the immediate area, not to mention plenty of sidewalk hustlers. Walk seconds from the front door and you'll come to always-bustling Balthazar brasserie on Spring Street where you can order oysters for breakfast or steak frites for a late-night dinner. When you want to head uptown to Central Park or over to Brooklyn, the entrance to the 6-line subway is just around the corner. Greenwich Villages lies to the north and Little Italy is east. Price room-only doubles from £836Restaurant mains from £25Family-friendly Y Accessible N Will Hide was a guest of Crosby Street Hotel ( • More great boutique hotels in New York• Best affordable hotels in New York
Forbes
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Kit Kemp: The Artful Hotelier Bringing Authenticity & Edge To Luxury Design
Forbes K it Kemp, the creative force behind Firmdale Hotels, has reimagined what luxury hospitality looks like. Known for her bold and eclectic style, the British interior designer and hotelier has turned hot spots like the Soho Hotel, Covent Garden Hotel and the Whitby into more than just places to rest, meet and work—the vibe is beautifully curated homes. With properties spanning from London to New York plus Barbados, each location reflects Kemp's signature flair for vibrant color, unexpected details and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. What sets Kemp apart from her peers is her fearless approach to pattern, texture and color, combined with her commitment to showcasing artisanal craftsmanship and contemporary art. Her work has earned high marks, including the Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year Award, also known as the Oscars of the design world, and House & Garden's Top 100 Designers and Architects. Beyond hotels, Kemp has authored several top-selling design books and has collaborated with brands such as Anthropologie, Wedgwood and Chelsea Textiles to create tableware, fabrics and furniture collections. PERSISTENCE In an industry often dominated by minimalism and masculine perspectives, Kemp's persistence in championing her distinctive aesthetic has been nothing short of revolutionary. She speaks with layers of thoughtful insights delivered with an infectious enthusiasm that make even the most complex design principles feel accessible. Kemp's early career benefited from what she calls "the arrogance of youth"—a quality she now appreciates as essential to breaking new ground. "It's difficult if you're an impulsive person," she says. "I was always impulsive and had the arrogance of youth. The arrogance of youth is a savior ... you can look at a Picasso and think you can do that." This fearlessness meant she trusted her distinctive style when conventional wisdom might have pushed for safer, more homogenized designs. Her advice to young designers reflects this philosophy: "When you are young, you can be oversensitive," she says. "Women can take things personally ... if something doesn't go your way, you just have to dust yourself down and be persistent. You can't sulk in your bedroom. Someone may have been insulting; remember you are young, let it drift over you, and keep on." Kemp's tenacity extends to how she evaluates talent as well. "I have had people want to come to work for me; if they are persistent, then I will give them a second or third review," she shares. This appreciation for determination reflects her own journey—recognizing that genuine passion often manifests as a willingness to "come in at a different angle" and keep pushing forward despite setbacks. PURPOSE While Kemp's designs may appear effortlessly eclectic, her business and creative approach reveals a sophisticated strategic mindset that balances artistic vision with commercial success. Rather than following trends, she has established a distinctive strategy centered on authenticity, craftsmanship and creating spaces that tell compelling stories. "Keep your own counsel, as it were," Kemp advises. "It's part of your DNA; listen to yourself, and have your own guidelines and creative parameters." This commitment to a personal true north has allowed her to develop a recognizable aesthetic without falling into predictability. Each property has a distinct identity while bearing her artistic signature. Interestingly, Kemp's business strategy deliberately avoids common industry practices. "Don't try to please someone else; the best thing to do is to do something to please yourself and those around you. My hotels are my little treasure boxes. You shouldn't think of them as a brand. Make your brand your secret," she explains. "When I see a brand, they are going to sell it. I want to keep it. It is a passion, something that has been built together." This counter-intuitive approach—resisting the urge to aggressively market her aesthetic as a brand—has paradoxically strengthened her position as one of the most recognizable voices in design. By maintaining quality and artistic integrity, she's created demand without diluting her vision. Kemp strategically infuses storytelling into her designs, often drawing on cultural heritage and craft traditions. At the Whitby Hotel, for example, she showcases craftsmanship through an installation of traditional baskets. "Each basket for the bar at the Whitby has a story. One was used in Wales, in the British Isles, to collect apples or flowers. Some baskets won't be made now; they are time pieces." This strategic incorporation of narrative elements creates emotional connections with guests while preserving cultural heritage. PASSION Kemp's passion for craftsmanship radiates throughout her work. "It is always craft. I love craft. Being made by hand," she declares with undisguised enthusiasm. This dedication to artisanal techniques forms the emotional core of her design philosophy, creating spaces that feel personal and soulful rather than mass-produced. What truly distinguishes Kemp is how she celebrates the beauty of imperfection. She explains. "True original craftsmanship often comes with slight imperfection. An imperfection can make you look twice. It is the creator's handwriting." This passionate attention to a human touch creates spaces that engage visitors on multiple levels. Her passion extends to cultural preservation and inclusion. When designing the Whitby Hotel, she created a visual representation of diversity through craftsmanship. "I oversee everything that goes into the building, the art and we had so many different nationalities working on the site." By incorporating traditional crafts from various cultures, she honors both the artisans and their heritage while creating something entirely contemporary. Her passionate commitment to authentic expression echoes in her advice: "Be proud of who you are, your vanity. Be authentic; they will like you." This philosophy underpins both her personal approach and her design work—creating spaces that confidently express a point of view rather than trying to please everyone. Explore The Series And Meet More Mould-Breaking Creators CREDIT Photographer: Kelly Marshall
